Economic Value Added (EVA)
EVA is registered trademark of Stern Stewart.
Economic value added or economic profit is the difference between revenues and costs,where costs include not only expenses, but also cost of capital.
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- Analysis of Liquidity Ratios
- Analysis of Solvency Ratios
- Common Stock Valuation Ratios
- Enterprise Value to FCFF (EV/FCFF)
- Price to FCFE (P/FCFE)
- Debt to Equity since 2012
- Total Asset Turnover since 2012
- Price to Operating Profit (P/OP) since 2012
- Price to Book Value (P/BV) since 2012
- Aggregate Accruals
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Economic Profit
Meta Platforms Inc., economic profit calculation
US$ in millions
| 12 months ended: | Dec 31, 2024 | Dec 31, 2023 | Dec 31, 2022 | Dec 31, 2021 | Dec 31, 2020 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT)1 | ||||||
| Cost of capital2 | ||||||
| Invested capital3 | ||||||
| Economic profit4 | ||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31).
1 NOPAT. See details »
2 Cost of capital. See details »
3 Invested capital. See details »
4 2024 Calculation
Economic profit = NOPAT – Cost of capital × Invested capital
= – × =
The financial data reveals fluctuating trends in the company's profitability and capital efficiency over the observed period. Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT) exhibited volatility with a notable peak in 2021 at approximately 40.1 billion US dollars, followed by a significant decline in 2022 to around 20.8 billion. However, the NOPAT showed a strong recovery in the subsequent years, reaching about 38.3 billion in 2023 and further rising to 56.8 billion in 2024, indicating improved operational performance and profitability in recent terms.
The cost of capital remained relatively stable across the years, fluctuating slightly within the range of approximately 16.2% to 16.7%. This consistency suggests a steady required rate of return by investors, which does not appear to significantly influence the variability in economic profit directly.
Invested capital showed a consistent upward trend from approximately 81.0 billion US dollars in 2020 to about 166.0 billion in 2024. The sharp increase, especially noteworthy after 2022, may reflect higher asset or working capital investments, supporting the expanding scale of operations or strategic acquisitions.
Economic profit, which represents the value created above the cost of capital, mimicked the pattern of NOPAT with some variations. It peaked in 2021 at about 24.8 billion, dropped sharply in 2022 to roughly 4.4 billion, signifying a period of reduced value creation or operational challenges. The subsequent recovery to approximately 15.0 billion in 2023 and 29.4 billion in 2024 indicates a resumption of strong economic value generation, likely driven by improved operating profits relative to the increased invested capital.
Overall, the data suggests an initial growth phase followed by a temporary decline in profitability and economic profit in 2022, with a robust recovery and enhanced financial performance through 2023 and 2024. The steady cost of capital and increasing invested capital underline a scenario where the company has been investing more capital while managing to ultimately generate stronger returns and economic value over time.
- Key observations:
- Net operating profit after taxes experienced a significant dip in 2022 but rebounded strongly in subsequent years.
- Cost of capital remained relatively stable, indicating consistent investor expectations.
- Invested capital grew steadily, potentially reflecting expansion or strategic investments.
- Economic profit closely followed NOPAT trends, highlighting the company's ability to create value above its capital costs despite temporary setbacks.
Net Operating Profit after Taxes (NOPAT)
Meta Platforms Inc., NOPAT calculation
US$ in millions
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31).
1 Elimination of deferred tax expense. See details »
2 Addition of increase (decrease) in deferred revenue.
3 Addition of increase (decrease) in accrued severance and other personnel liabilities.
4 Addition of increase (decrease) in equity equivalents to net income.
5 2024 Calculation
Interest expense on capitalized operating leases = Operating lease liability × Discount rate
= × =
6 2024 Calculation
Tax benefit of interest expense = Adjusted interest expense × Statutory income tax rate
= × 21.00% =
7 Addition of after taxes interest expense to net income.
8 2024 Calculation
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income = Investment income, before tax × Statutory income tax rate
= × 21.00% =
9 Elimination of after taxes investment income.
- Net Income
- The net income demonstrates variability over the analyzed period. It increased significantly from 29,146 million US dollars in 2020 to 39,370 million US dollars in 2021. However, in 2022, there is a notable decline to 23,200 million US dollars. This downward trend reverses in 2023, with net income rising sharply to 39,098 million US dollars and continuing the upward trajectory to reach 62,360 million US dollars in 2024. Overall, the trend reflects periods of both volatility and robust growth, culminating in a substantial increase by the end of the period.
- Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
- NOPAT follows a similar pattern to net income, with an increase from 27,980 million US dollars in 2020 to 40,147 million US dollars in 2021. Subsequently, it decreases to 20,828 million US dollars in 2022, which aligns with the downturn observed in net income for the same year. In 2023, NOPAT recovers significantly to 38,290 million US dollars, and continues to improve, reaching 56,844 million US dollars in 2024. This trend suggests operational profitability experienced fluctuations but ultimately improved substantially by the end of the period, indicating enhanced operational efficiency or favorable business conditions in the latter years.
Cash Operating Taxes
Meta Platforms Inc., cash operating taxes calculation
US$ in millions
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31).
- Provision for Income Taxes
- The provision for income taxes exhibited a fluctuating trend over the analyzed periods. It increased significantly from 4,034 million US dollars in 2020 to 7,914 million US dollars in 2021, indicating higher estimated tax obligations. Subsequently, it declined to 5,619 million in 2022, showing a reduction in estimated tax expense. However, the provision rose again to 8,330 million in 2023 and slightly decreased to 8,303 million in 2024, stabilizing at a higher level compared to earlier years. This pattern suggests variability in taxable income or changes in tax regulations impacting the company's tax liabilities.
- Cash Operating Taxes
- Cash operating taxes demonstrated an overall upward trajectory with some volatility. Beginning at 4,959 million US dollars in 2020, the cash taxes paid increased to 7,290 million in 2021. An increase continued in 2022 reaching 8,950 million, followed by a decrease to 8,095 million in 2023. In 2024, cash operating taxes rose sharply to 12,827 million, marking the highest value in the series. The sharp increase in the final period suggests stronger cash outflows related to tax payments, possibly due to tax timing differences, higher taxable income, or changes in tax payment schedules.
- Comparative Observations
- While the provision for income taxes reflects estimated tax expenses, cash operating taxes represent actual cash paid. The data shows instances where cash taxes surpassed the provision, notably in 2022 and 2024, which may point to timing differences or adjustments based on prior estimates. The significant rise in cash operating taxes in 2024 contrasts with the relatively stable provision, highlighting a potential shift in cash tax management or tax obligations becoming due. Overall, the tax-related expenses and payments show variability but an increasing trend, especially on a cash basis, which could affect the company's liquidity and cash flow management.
Invested Capital
Meta Platforms Inc., invested capital calculation (financing approach)
US$ in millions
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31).
1 Addition of capitalized operating leases.
2 Elimination of deferred taxes from assets and liabilities. See details »
3 Addition of deferred revenue.
4 Addition of accrued severance and other personnel liabilities.
5 Addition of equity equivalents to stockholders’ equity.
6 Removal of accumulated other comprehensive income.
7 Subtraction of construction in progress.
8 Subtraction of marketable securities.
The financial data reveals notable trends in the company’s leverage, equity base, and invested capital over the five-year period from 2020 to 2024.
- Total Reported Debt & Leases
- This item exhibits a substantial and accelerating increase over the years. From $11,177 million in 2020, the debt and leases almost doubled by 2022 to $27,278 million and then continued to rise sharply to reach $49,769 million in 2024. This trend indicates a significant expansion in the company's liabilities, suggesting increased borrowing or leasing commitments, which could be aimed at financing growth, acquisitions, or capital expenditures.
- Stockholders’ Equity
- Stockholders' equity shows some fluctuations initially, with a slight decrease from $128,290 million in 2020 to $124,879 million in 2021, then a small rise to $125,713 million in 2022. From 2022 onwards, there is a strong upward trend, culminating in a value of $182,637 million in 2024. This pattern reflects an overall strengthening in the company’s net asset base, which may result from retained earnings growth, successful profitability, or equity issuances.
- Invested Capital
- Invested capital consistently grows over the period, increasing from $80,951 million in 2020 to $165,969 million in 2024. The growth pace accelerates especially after 2021, indicating that the company is increasing its long-term investments and assets base substantially. This could correspond with strategic initiatives to enhance operational capacity, assets acquisition, or overall expansion.
Overall, the data illustrates a company that is increasing its financial leverage considerably while simultaneously growing its equity base and invested capital. This combination may suggest an aggressive growth strategy supported by both debt financing and equity strength, potentially positioning the company for expanded operations or investment in new opportunities. However, the rising debt levels also imply greater financial risk that should be managed carefully.
Cost of Capital
Meta Platforms Inc., cost of capital calculations
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities3 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Operating lease liability4 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Total: | |||||||||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31).
1 US$ in millions
2 Equity. See details »
3 Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities3 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Operating lease liability4 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Total: | |||||||||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31).
1 US$ in millions
2 Equity. See details »
3 Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities3 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Operating lease liability4 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Total: | |||||||||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31).
1 US$ in millions
2 Equity. See details »
3 Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities3 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Operating lease liability4 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Total: | |||||||||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31).
1 US$ in millions
2 Equity. See details »
3 Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
| Capital (fair value)1 | Weights | Cost of capital | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Equity2 | ÷ | = | × | = | |||||||||
| Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities3 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Operating lease liability4 | ÷ | = | × | × (1 – 21.00%) | = | ||||||||
| Total: | |||||||||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31).
1 US$ in millions
2 Equity. See details »
3 Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities. See details »
4 Operating lease liability. See details »
Economic Spread Ratio
Meta Platforms Inc., economic spread ratio calculation, comparison to benchmarks
| Dec 31, 2024 | Dec 31, 2023 | Dec 31, 2022 | Dec 31, 2021 | Dec 31, 2020 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions) | ||||||
| Economic profit1 | ||||||
| Invested capital2 | ||||||
| Performance Ratio | ||||||
| Economic spread ratio3 | ||||||
| Benchmarks | ||||||
| Economic Spread Ratio, Competitors4 | ||||||
| Alphabet Inc. | ||||||
| Charter Communications Inc. | ||||||
| Comcast Corp. | ||||||
| Netflix Inc. | ||||||
| Walt Disney Co. | ||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31).
1 Economic profit. See details »
2 Invested capital. See details »
3 2024 Calculation
Economic spread ratio = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Invested capital
= 100 × ÷ =
4 Click competitor name to see calculations.
- Economic Profit
- The economic profit exhibits significant fluctuations over the examined years. Starting at 14,487 million US dollars in 2020, it notably increased to 24,779 million in 2021. However, there was a sharp decline in 2022, dropping to 4,376 million. The value rebounded in 2023 to 15,022 million and further increased sharply to 29,425 million in 2024, surpassing previous peak levels. This pattern indicates volatility with a strong recovery and growth in the most recent period.
- Invested Capital
- The invested capital shows a consistent upward trend throughout the years. It grew steadily from 80,951 million US dollars in 2020 to 92,809 million in 2021, then continued increasing to 101,764 million in 2022. The growth accelerated in 2023 and 2024, reaching 141,324 million and 165,969 million respectively. This demonstrates substantial capital commitment expansion, particularly in the last two years.
- Economic Spread Ratio
- The economic spread ratio, representing the return spread percentage, reflects a pattern of volatility similar to that of economic profit. It started at 17.9% in 2020 and rose markedly to 26.7% in 2021, indicating heightened profitability relative to invested capital. In 2022, it dropped steeply to 4.3%, signaling diminished economic value creation. The ratio improved in 2023 to 10.63% and further increased to 17.73% in 2024, suggesting a recovery in profitability though it remains below the 2021 peak.
- Overall Analysis
- The data portrays a company that has expanded its invested capital substantially. Economic profit and economic spread ratio demonstrate volatility, with a notable downturn in 2022 followed by a significant recovery up to 2024. The strong rebound in economic profit coupled with the increasing invested capital suggests enhanced operational efficiency and value creation in the most recent period, despite prior setbacks.
Economic Profit Margin
Meta Platforms Inc., economic profit margin calculation, comparison to benchmarks
| Dec 31, 2024 | Dec 31, 2023 | Dec 31, 2022 | Dec 31, 2021 | Dec 31, 2020 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selected Financial Data (US$ in millions) | ||||||
| Economic profit1 | ||||||
| Revenue | ||||||
| Add: Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue | ||||||
| Adjusted revenue | ||||||
| Performance Ratio | ||||||
| Economic profit margin2 | ||||||
| Benchmarks | ||||||
| Economic Profit Margin, Competitors3 | ||||||
| Alphabet Inc. | ||||||
| Charter Communications Inc. | ||||||
| Comcast Corp. | ||||||
| Netflix Inc. | ||||||
| Walt Disney Co. | ||||||
Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31).
1 Economic profit. See details »
2 2024 Calculation
Economic profit margin = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Adjusted revenue
= 100 × ÷ =
3 Click competitor name to see calculations.
- Adjusted Revenue
- Over the five-year period, there is a consistent upward trend in adjusted revenue. Starting from 86,066 million US dollars at the end of 2020, it increased significantly to 118,154 million in 2021. A slight decline occurred in 2022 to 116,539 million, but the overall trajectory resumed its upward movement in 2023 and 2024, reaching 164,598 million by the end of 2024. This represents a marked growth in revenue generation ability over the analyzed timeframe.
- Economic Profit
- The economic profit shows considerable volatility across the years. It rose markedly from 14,487 million US dollars in 2020 to a peak of 24,779 million in 2021. However, 2022 witnessed a sharp decline to 4,376 million, indicating a significant reduction in economic profitability during that year. The profit recovered in 2023 to 15,022 million and further improved to 29,425 million in 2024, surpassing the earlier peak of 2021. This pattern suggests fluctuating profitability levels with a strong recovery and enhancement by the end of the period.
- Economic Profit Margin
- The economic profit margin largely mirrors the trend seen in economic profit. Beginning at 16.83% in 2020, it increased to a high of 20.97% in 2021. Thereafter, it experienced a notable drop to just 3.75% in 2022, reflecting diminished efficiency in generating economic profit relative to revenue. Nevertheless, the margin improved significantly in 2023 to 11.12% and recovered further to 17.88% in 2024. This movement indicates a temporary setback in profitability efficiency which was subsequently addressed, leading to a strengthened profit margin by 2024.
- Overall Insights
- The data indicates robust revenue growth alongside a fluctuating economic profit and margin, with a marked downturn in 2022 interrupting otherwise positive trends. The recovery observed in 2023 and continued improvement into 2024 imply effective measures or market conditions that enhanced economic profitability. Despite the volatility, the overall financial health and profitability metrics at the end of the period show improvement compared to the starting point, demonstrating resilience and growth capacity.